FAMILY support groups reacted angrily last night at the cut to child benefit which will mean a €16 fall in monthly payments per child.

NO matter how dire Ireland’s economic situation has become, taking money from children should always be a last resort, five groups representing parents and children insisted yesterday.

ONE girl will be crowned tonight, but for reigning Rose of Tralee Aoife Kelly the passing of the crown will be a “bittersweet” moment.

THE early childcare supplement is being increased by €100 to €1,100 in a full year but it is still not enough, said the National Women’s Council of Ireland.

A LOT more could have been done in the Budget to make a real difference to the lives of Ireland’s poorest children and pensioners, campaign groups claimed last night.

The group representing single-parent families has said the €10 increase in Children's Allowance does not go very far towards helping raise the poorest families out of the poverty trap.

CAMPAIGNERS for lone-parent families want to see 30% increases in fuel allowances following whopping hikes in gas and electricity bills.

THE lone parent allowance is to be scrapped in favour of a less discriminatory payment for low-income families.